Boundaries, Trauma, and Toxicity: Are We Overusing These Terms?

Description

We're diving into the wild world of mental health buzzwords and how social media is totally turning them on their heads! You've probably heard terms like "gaslighting," "narcissism," and "trauma" tossed around like confetti, but let’s pump the brakes and get real about what they actually mean. I mean, we’re sisters here to help you navigate this crazy journey called life, and we’re serving up a heaping plate of nuance with a side of sass! We're calling out the over-simplifications and playful misuse of these terms by TikTok and Instagram "experts." Like, just because your friend didn’t text you back doesn’t mean they're gaslighting you—seriously, chill! So grab your favorite snack, kick back, and get ready for some laughter and learning as we sort through the mental health jungle together.

Takeaways:

Gaslighting is not just a disagreement; it’s a serious form of psychological abuse that makes someone question their reality, and it’s essential to understand the depth of that term.
The social media definition of narcissism is super watered down; true narcissistic personality disorder involves patterns of extreme self-centeredness and a lack of empathy, not just being selfish or annoying.
Trauma isn't just any bad experience; it’s a profound emotional response to overwhelming situations, often leading to PTSD or emotional dysregulation, and it deserves respect and understanding.
Setting boundaries is about maintaining healthy relationships, not shutting people out; the misuse of this term can lead to controlling behaviors disguised as self-care.
Self-care should focus on meeting your true needs, like emotional nourishment and rest, not just indulgences; think of it like grocery shopping for your emotional health.
ADHD isn’t simply being forgetful or disorganized; it’s a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how you process and interact with the world, and it’s crucial to get a proper diagnosis rather than rely on social media trends.

Chapters